Hot Topic: Viognier ~ An interesting alternative to Chardonnay

By Bryan Robbins, Cool Springs Wines & Spirits

Published in VIP Franklin Magazine, September 2006

Wine drinkers in Middle Tennessee are becoming more adventurous and more wine savvy. They are no longer afraid of wines with unfamiliar names and many are also searching for a wine to get them out of their Chardonnay rut. Viognier (Pronounced Vee-on-yay) can be ideal for warm weather and a change of pace. This glorious white wine is medium to full-bodied, rich and refreshing. It pairs well with shellfish, Asian cuisine, poultry, spicy sausage, pasta, salads, and cheeses.

This astonishingly great white wine offers a clear golden hue, alluring floral and tropical fruit aromas, loads of fruit, good depth and a nice, dry finish with a slight hint of sweetness. The complexity, and subtle use of oak, often intrigue customers and offers another option for white wine connoisseurs.

One of the top producing Viognier appellations in France is Condrieu (Pronounced Coh-dree-ooh), located at the northern-most end of the Northern Rh��ne. Because of government laws, Viognier is the only grape variety that can be grown in this region. Thus, any wine labeled as a Condrieu, is one hundred percent Viognier. In California, wines are traditionally labeled by variety unless it is some sort of blend.

Viognier has become more popular worldwide in the past 10 years with plantings of this variety in other areas of France, as well as in Australia and the United States. In some areas, Viognier is being used as a blending grape. The addition of Viognier to a Syrah-based wine helps to bring out some floral aromas and underlying fruit, in an otherwise bold, peppery, spicy and tannic red wine. It makes the wine more aromatic, approachable and enjoyable.

Some of the leading producers available in Middle Tennessee are E. Guigal, Chapoutier and Paul Jaboulet Aine from the Rhone, Pine Ridge (a blend with Chenin Blanc), Cline Cedarville, Alexander Valley Vineyards and Joseph Phelps from the United States, and Yalumba, and d���Arenberg from Australia.

Some of these wines ��� and many more ��� will be available at the second annual Franklin Wine Festival���a 3-day celebration of wine, cuisine and culture���slated for October 19-21 at various locations in Williamson County and Nashville. The event, which is modeled after the famous New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, is open to the public and features numerous wine and food tastings, culinary seminars, demonstrations and vintner dinners. All proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. The event is presented by Cool Springs Wines & Spirits.

FWF crescendos on Friday night, Oct. 20, with the Grand Wine & Food Tasting at Liberty Hall (adjacent to the Factory at Franklin). It truly is a "Grand" experience for both foodies and wine connoisseurs, pairing extensive offerings by Middle Tennessee's finest chefs with selected wines from around the world. Nowhere else will you have the opportunity to sample 300 wines and outstanding food from over 40 top restaurants for only $65! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.FranklinWineFestival.com.